Taiwan is learning to live with COVID. But some workers are still unsure about what to do once they’ve completed their seven days of isolation. One key question is whether they should go to work if they are still testing positive.
With COVID cases reaching their peak, many still have questions on when they can go back to work. What should people do if they still test positive after seven days of isolation?
Epidemiologist Lo Yi-chun says that seven days after a positive test, most people are not very infectious.
According to Taiwan’s 7+7 system, anyone with a mild case of COVID can leave isolation without taking an additional test. They can then return to work.
Experts say that people shouldn’t worry about still being contagious.
Dr. Chen Hsiu-hsi says that most people will begin testing negative five days after their initial diagnosis. Unlike with other variants, the chance of becoming infectious again is low.
But even though isolation policies are relaxing, some see tensions rising between employers and workers.
Businessman Yang Tsung-pin says some employees don’t want to take sick leave if it means they won’t get paid, so they avoid getting tested. He says that’s a mistake.
The labor ministry says that workers who complete their isolation period but still feel uncomfortable returning to work have options. They can still take sick days or ask about working from home.